In Stalin's Soviet Union, crime does not exist. But still millions live in fear. The mere suspicion of disloyalty to the State, the wrong word at the wrong time, can send an innocent person to his execution. Officer Leo Demidov, an idealistic war hero, believes he's building a perfect society. But after witnessing the interrogation of an innocent man, his loyalty begins to waver, and when ordered to investigate his own wife, Raisa, Leo is forced to choose where his heart truly lies. Then the impossible happens. A murderer ...
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In Stalin's Soviet Union, crime does not exist. But still millions live in fear. The mere suspicion of disloyalty to the State, the wrong word at the wrong time, can send an innocent person to his execution. Officer Leo Demidov, an idealistic war hero, believes he's building a perfect society. But after witnessing the interrogation of an innocent man, his loyalty begins to waver, and when ordered to investigate his own wife, Raisa, Leo is forced to choose where his heart truly lies. Then the impossible happens. A murderer is on the loose, killing at will, and every belief Leo has ever held is shattered. Denounced by his enemies and exiled from home, with only Raisa by his side, he must risk everything to find a criminal that the State won't admit even exists. On the run, Leo soon discovers the danger isn't from the killer he is trying to catch, but from the country he is trying to protect.
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Seller's Description:
Very Good. Very Good condition. A copy that may have a few cosmetic defects. May also contain a few markings such as an owner's name, short gifter's inscription or light stamp.
This is a great book and part of a trilogy. I haven't been this entertained since Girl with the Dragon Tattoo trilogy. Smith weaves his tale with ease and really builds his characters. The plot has twists and turns along with intertwining the history of the era. You really get the feel of life in those times. I highly recommend it.
Henry R
Mar 22, 2012
Chilling Child 44
This thriller is a classic: suspenseful and atmospheric.
KingRat
Jul 22, 2009
BRILLIANT!!
Stalinist Russia where everyone is guilty by association. Absolutely fantastic book, and this by me who doesn't usually read this sort of book!
I chose this book in a last minute decision in a book shop where the offer was buy 3 get 1 free. However I was gripped from page 5 and simply loved it. I won't go into details of the book as other people have already done that.
I loved this book so much that the day I finished it I went and bought the sequel 'The Secret Speech' and although sequels are often not as good as the first, The Secret Speech is just as gripping, if not more so.
A really must have, must read book. Well done to the author, Tom rob Smith.
Rubycanary
Jul 14, 2009
And we thought we had hard winters
A Stalinist Russia where everyone is guilty by association, and The State is always right. After a series of children are killed, Leo, a loyal MGB detective starts to realize that all may not be what it seems. As he is persecuted for trying to find the killer, his real story and his relationship with his wife unfolds. If he can prove who the real killer is, that means he would be saying all the "murderers" executed for their crimes would have been innocent, and The State would have been wrong. That is not acceptable. The hunter is hunted as he hunts the real killer.
Some great plot twists, and great imagery of a Russian winter.
rdfrick
Mar 26, 2009
Great twists and turns
Great book. Kept me guessing until the end. Read this book.